Shoe controversey crosses Jordan in Bridgeton school dress code

These shoes are all black and legal under the dress code in the Bridgeton school system.

BRIDGETON — Everybody knows that the Bridgeton school system went to a dress code a few years ago with maroon shirts and khaki pants.

The move in the spring of 2006 was widely heralded as a success by students, staff and parents.

Oh, there was a glitch in 2009 when parents and students complained how the rules were being enforced.

One student who wore white socks was threatened with a 10-day suspension, and it turned out the policy allowed white socks.

Now there is another controversy: The color of shoes.

Superintendent Dr. Thomasina Jones told the board Tuesday night has staff has asked them to revisit the dress code policy “because they are being bombarded with complaints from parents about shoe attire.’’

Black or white or black and white is the current policy.

“It’s hard to go to a store and buy all black shoes or just black and white shoes,’’ Dr. Jones related.

“One parent said she had to go all the way to Delaware to find all black or white shoes.

“Kids have purchased shoes to match the maroon uniform and are being sent to in-school suspension.’’

Jones showed the board photos taken of shoes worn by students.

Some had gray mixed in.

One had a small red logo on the shoe.

Any red at all, no matter how small, is not allowed.

“The parents say the gray and red match the shirts the students wear,’’ said Jones.

“And if you’re used to buying a certain type of shoe, you may not find a pair in your color.’’

One board member said if the shoe policy is allowed to be changed, what will they ask for next?

Board member Pastor Albert Morgan responded, “In preparing them for the real world, if your told to wear certain clothes then that’s what you wear.’’

“You’re going to have kids who can’t afford those Jordans,’’ another said. “And you’re going to be right back where you started without the dress code.’’

Parents have told Dr. Jones they can’t afford to go out and buy another pair of shoes to conform to the policy.

“If that happens,’’ said Jones, “then we going to have to keep sending that child to in-school suspension and, as you know, it gets progressive.’’

Dr. Jones promised to get more data on how many students are currently being affected.

Everybody agreed to hold further discussion on the problem until the November meeting.

But Dr. Jones did remark, “We can’t have teachers being the shoe police. They have enough to do teaching students.’’